Ebay buyers poll

[BulletTime]

Hi, all. Has anyone out there purchased their vette from an individual or dealer through ebay? I've decided this is the year that I'll finally make that lifelong dream car a reality. I've looked EVERYWHERE, and ebay seems to have the best values. I'm figuring that with their buyer's protection, the Carfax certification and buyback gurantees, etc., it will be safe. I'm looking for the most immaculate ride I can find with the most details on my wish list, for 20K: '97-99; Silver, Red, or Black (no red interiors); 6-spd with no more than 85K miles; Targa or convertible with side body moldings.

I have over 30 days before my birthday, and have financing already secured.
Anyone with an ebay experience?

 

[WhalePirot]

Caution

I will urge caution because, while a different item (I have bid on a few plasma TVs), these high dollar items attract the deceptive types, apparantly.

I have since been bombarded by "second chance offers", which are attempts at either outright fraud or attempts to sell outside of e-bay, for a variety of sad reasons.

Good luck with your search and congrats on your gift for your birthday. I's always nice to see a dream realised.

 

[ROADAPPLE]

Save yourself alot of greif, stay away from ebay. If you want a great deal on any Vette check out Ken at wwwthevettenet.com

 

[cruzer99]

Only words of caution are 1. Don't buy anything unless you have seen it and met the seller. 2. Don't put up any $$ until you are buying it.

I have bought and sold Vettes and Streetrods on ebay and if you stick to the rules you have a fighting chance.

Good luck...

 

[bossvette]

I just bought my 97 from E-bay I went and looked at it and also paid for an inspection which can be found on the auction page near the bottom, there is a Pep Boys for $25 and a more expensive one from SGS.
Apperently some sellers list the car with a high reserve and then sell to the high bidder later. Having your financing arranged can make a difference also.
The seller of mine had a clear title and wanted his money ASAP :L

 

[magredc5]

I purchased my 2000 vert. on eBay and was very happy with the transaction and all. This was about 3 years ago though and now I see you have to be very careful. I would only look at eBay dealers instead of individuals to be sure you are not being taken advantage of. Most dealers that have several (if not hundreds) positive feedbacks are the ones to deal with. They are there trying to make a living, not screw the public. :L

 

[Eric]

I'll reiterate what's already been said. Bid only if you already have either seen the car or have had it inspected by a trusted third party of your selection. If you have any questions whatsoever, regardless of how small, about the sellers conditions regarding payment, shipment, etc, ask upfront before bidding.

We purchased a car through ebay and it was the easiest car purchase we've ever made. We went to the car and drove it then hit the "buy it now" button.

And as the old saying goes, "if it sounds too good to be true, it is!"

 

[ronman99vette]

Bullet,
I have not purchased a car on ebay but I did buy one from Carmax. They have a great search for vette's. Something like 70 vettes on the lots right now. Might give you a baseline for retail price. I purchased a 99 couple with just over 13,000 miles a couple months ago. I feel like I got a pretty good deal although I purchased it just before the selling frenzy on C5's. You can have it shipped from any location to a Carmax lot near you for a fee. I think part of that goes towards the purchase. You can also get an extended warranty if the vette you buy is not covered. Happy hunting! I don't work for Carmax although it sounds that way. Just thought you might like to see what they are selling them for at a no haggle price. You will absolutley fall in love if you have never driven one.

 

[VetteFanatic]

I have purchased 4 cars and have sold 2 on ebay. The vette was an awesome deal. The seller was incredibly nice, 4 1/2 hrs away, and said if I didnt like the car then I could walk away. Like he said.... I'd spend that much for a 3 day ad in a local newpaper so what the heck. I went, looked, drove, and then bought. One of easiest buying experiences in all the years of buying cars. I waited until I knew that IT WAS the car I wanted. I have also been approached by many unsavory individuals in the ATV field that wanted money wired to them... Only 2000 for an 8000 bike... laugh and walk away. If you cant touch it, drive it, then pay for it.... walk away

 

[JBHAMC40]

I have bought 5 cars off the internet 3 off ebay a 79t/a and a 2000 impala 9c1 and a crown vic police interceptor then i bought my 93 coupe off autotrader but i went and looked at it and drove it before i bought it. Then i got screwed by a guy in miami on autotrader I was told it was a 92 for 5000 that needed paint. When I bought it it turned out to be a 84 with the newer body kit on it and completely dismantled inside and it wasnt even the orginal engine. So i learned my lesson. Luckly I got my money back so if the price is low its too good to be true just be careful

 

[DanHammer]

ebay is okay but would not recommend

If you want a great deal on used vettes ... there is a dealership located in Colonial Heights, VA. They specialize on vettes from classic to late model C5.
Please check their website: www.stingraysfromheaven.com

The owners are really honest and great people to deal with. The dealership's name is Victory Lane Auto Sales & Accessories. I bought my 2001 Mellenium from them and car was delivered by owner. This is your corvette connection in the East. Just wanted to share this since you are searching your birthday present. Hey good luck on your search and sounds great to live your dream.

Dan

 

[SG4206]

On big ticket items ; I have always been able to arrive at the sellers location at the same time or before ,a deposit could be delivered. This way , if the item was miss-represented , I could walk away and not lose a deposit.

 

[JR_Vette]

I purchased my 99 off eBay from an individual. I would never deal with a dealer as I have heard too many horror stories. The person I bought from was great to deal with and told me if it wasn't what I was expecting I didn't owe anything. I drove from Nashville to Tampa in a one-way rental car. Everything went very smoothly, and the person I bought from was a great person to deal with.

I would do it again, but would still be very careful.

 

[atmmac]

i have a 94 v6 camaro i use in bad weather (snow, winter, etc) I bought it off of e-bay didnt even drive it or see it. The guy lived 45 mins away. I picked it up and it was everything he described. It was an easy experience and the car has hardly had any problems for 130K.

 

[Craig]

Bought my 98 vette on Ebay last summer without actually seeing it in person and very satisfied with the purchase. Look for positive feedback on the seller, lots of pics showing not only the good but bad as well. Like one feedback given earlier, a lot of sellers/dealers out there now use Ebay heavily so look for the feedback. They want to stay in business. The dealer/middle man I bought from only deals with the internet now. You have to be careful but if you do research, check the VIN with carfax, hopefully you won't get burnt. Good Luck!!!!

 

[berky2500]

I just bought my GS on ebay, the seller was super nice and everything went off without a hitch. Talk to the seller, check his feedback and other transactions. Get a carfax on the car. Look at the car yourself or lineup someone to inspect it. If anything seems funny, walk away.
There are lots of cars out there, keep looking.